Once more again

Where would you go to hear a speaker commend the rationality of arson against synagogues? Or declare that we must take very seriously the accusation that the Jews are trying to control the world? Or explicitly identify today's Palestinians as the new Christ (and we know - oh yes - who was responsible for the Crucifixion)? Or denounce the outraged response to Ken Livingstone's crass comparison of a Jewish journalist to a concentration camp guard as a 'Jewish clannish demand' for an apology? Or observe that 'the J's [i.e. Jews] are the ultimate chameleons, they can be whatever they like as long as it serves as some expedient'?

Let's see now. The Anti-Defamation League, which monitors the activities of racist organisations in the United States and elsewhere, keeps a schedule of extremist events such as a 'Klan Jam' in Alabama next month, organised by the North Georgia White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, and a 'White Unity BBQ' in Michigan in July, organised by the National Socialist Movement. But if you want to be certain of hearing exactly the sentiments I have cited, the most likely venue would be one where their author himself is speaking. That author is Gilad Atzmon. a jazz musician and former Israeli reservist, whose extreme antisemitic bigotry is set out extensively on his web site.

And where might such a discreditable and discredited figure be found? Regular readers, whose patience on this issue I realise I am testing, will know the answer instantly. Atzmon will, of course and appropriately, be speaking at the 'Marxism 2005' jamboree of the Socialist Workers' Party, to be held in London in July, just as he spoke at last year's event. The SWP is the controlling organisation for which the Respect 'Coalition' is the electoral front. A few weeks ago, John Rees, the national secretary of Respect and a member of the Politbureau of the SWP, insisted indignantly on the proud record of Respect members in fighting antisemitism.

For 'fighting', read 'fomenting'.